In a significant shift for its afternoon programming, ESPN has announced the debut of a new daily studio show titled Big Day with Peter Schrager, scheduled to premiere on September 10, 2026. This show will occupy the 2 p.m. ET time slot, taking over from The Pat McAfee Show and replacing the traditional SportsCenter in that window. The decision marks an expansion of Schrager's role at ESPN, where he has been a contributor since joining the network in 2025.
Big Day with Peter Schrager will air Monday through Thursday during the college football season, with plans to extend to a full five-day-a-week schedule once the college football season concludes. Each one-hour episode is set to feature a rotating panel of two to three guests, which may include reporters, former NFL players, and celebrity sports fans. The focus will primarily be on the NFL, while also touching on other significant sports stories.
The announcement of Schrager's new show has generated a lively discussion among NFL fans on social media platforms. While some fans expressed excitement over the change, viewing it as a refreshing alternative to McAfee's high-energy style, others voiced skepticism regarding Schrager's ability to engage viewers long-term. One fan expressed their enthusiasm with a straightforward, "Yay! Not (Pat) McAfee!" contrasting the two hosts' styles.
However, not all feedback has been positive. Critics have taken to social media to express doubts about Schrager's appeal, with one user labeling him as "one of the most boring [expletive] on the ESPN roster" and predicting that the show would struggle to survive after the NFL season. Another commenter criticized both Schrager and ESPN, stating, "ESPN is the worst. Schrager is the most inauthentic of all the [expletive] in your barnyard."
Despite the mixed reactions, some figures within the sports community have shown support for Schrager. Former NFL player and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky congratulated him, stating, "Congrats to Peter!" while another supporter remarked, "He deserves it." Such endorsements highlight the potential for Schrager to carve out his niche in ESPN's programming landscape.
Peter Schrager comes to this new role with a wealth of experience, having previously worked with NFL Network on Good Morning Football and at FOX Sports. Since joining ESPN, he has become a familiar face on shows like Get Up, First Take, and NFL Live, in addition to hosting The Schrager Hour podcast in partnership with Omaha Productions. With this new show, ESPN is banking on Schrager's extensive NFL connections, insider knowledge, and laid-back interview style to attract a dedicated audience.
This programming change comes at a pivotal moment for ESPN, which is gearing up for what it has dubbed its "Year of the Super Bowl." As the network prepares for a season filled with high-stakes football, the success of Big Day with Peter Schrager will be closely monitored to see whether it can establish itself as a staple of the afternoon lineup and draw in viewers consistently.
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